Get Out and Play: 5 Local Playgrounds Kids Will Love

Hidden playground gems worth checking out.

By Mikala Young

Published: August 27, 2014 12:00 PM

Let's face it. Playtime these days is all about keeping your kids engaged through the TV, an iPad and/or computer. But what about the good ol' days when our parents would open the front door and tell us not to come back inside until dinner was ready? Well we're trying to get you back there with these playgrounds that encourage the art of old fashioned fun.

1. Freedom Park

With two playgrounds to choose from, most kids end up exploring the playground next to the full-size train close to the East Boulevard entrance. There are different sets of monkey bars, twisty slides for preschoolers and small slides for toddlers. Another fun and engaging aspect of the park is the newly added NFL play 60 kids zone. With obstacle courses, climbing walls, and a 40- yard dash kids can expense all their energy on the "field". Another great perk for mom and dad. Also, benches surround the area where you can meet other moms and dads — play date anyone? This playground is stroller-friendly and has nearby bathrooms.

Location: 900 East Boulevard

2. Reedy Creek Park

This playground is pretty fascinating, especially for the adventurous young ones with wild imaginations. Connected by two treehouses, kids are free to climb up and then take the slide down to the sandbox underneath one of the treehouses. There's even a swinging bridge that kids can trot along while playing fun games and a music station built from natural materials. The fun doesn't have to stop at the playground. The nature center is in walking distance so be sure to explore live turtles and snakes. This playground has bathrooms and is stroller-friendly.

Location: 2900 Rocky River Road

3. Chantilly Park

Close to uptown, this is another place that offers two playgrounds. There's more space to run around and play games with other kids as well as slide in and out of the big dinasour. This park is stroller-friendly but doesn't have bathrooms.

Location: Chantilly neighborhood, 222 Wyanoke Ave.

4. Hornets Nest Park

This playground is a typical, get out and play park with slides, monkey bars and enough room to play a game of hide and seek or 'tag'. Any BMX racers in the family? Head on over to the 1,150 track each Saturday where families can watch or participate in competitive races. This park has bathrooms and is also stroller-friendly.

Location: 6301 Beatties Ford Road

5. Pirate Ship Park

Locals gave this playground such a fun name but it's actually called Yacht Club Park Playground. Unlike the other playgrounds mentioned above, this park includes a rope ladder and a rock wall. Kids can work on their climbing skills and go through a tunnel or toddler slides. This park is stroller-friendly, but has no bathrooms.

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Curious about where your family should go for "can't-miss" experiences in Charlotte? From where to indulge in the best cupcakes to the top places to ride bikes with the kids, each week our editors dive into the best of the best in the city and bring you their firsthand accounts. Follow along with hashtag #BestBetsCLT on Twitter and instagram @CharlotteParent to stay in the know!